Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has declared the contentious land at the Ishiagu-Akaeze boundary in Ivo Local Government Area as a buffer zone.
In a statement issued by Grace Umezuruike, Secretary to the State Government, the governor directed all parties involved in the dispute to vacate the area immediately. He warned that anyone found on the disputed land would face legal consequences.
The governor also instructed security agencies to intensify their presence in the area to enforce compliance and maintain peace.
“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Francis Nwifuru, has expressed serious concern over the protracted conflict between the Umobor community in Akaeze and the Ogwor community in Ishiagu, both in Ivo LGA, over a piece of land,” the statement read.
“As a resolution, the disputed land has been designated a buffer zone, and security measures will be reinforced. Violators will face the full weight of the law,” it added.
To further address the issue, the governor invited 20 stakeholders from each community to a meeting scheduled for December 16 at noon in the governor’s conference room at Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The Ishiagu-Akaeze boundary dispute has spanned decades, with violent clashes resulting in significant loss of life on both sides.
